Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre (South End)

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a small rural emergency department, mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter in comparable rural hospitals. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving earlier in the day may result in shorter waits.

Busier times: Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher patient volumes. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, consider calling the hospital or contacting 811 (BC HealthLink) before visiting to determine the best time and care setting for your needs.

About Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre (South End)

Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre (Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay) is the sole hospital serving the remote Haida Gwaii archipelago, located at 3209 Oceanview Drive in Daajing Giids (Queen Charlotte), BC, and operated by Northern Health. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing acute care, low-risk obstetrics, lab, medical imaging, pharmacy services, and access to the Haida Gwaii Cancer Care program for a population of approximately 3,000 residents. Patients requiring high-acuity specialty care such as major trauma, cardiac intervention, or complex neurology should be prepared for potential transport by air or ferry to Prince Rupert or Vancouver.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute care (8 beds), Low-risk obstetrics and maternity care (labour, delivery, and recovery suite), Laboratory services, Medical imaging / diagnostic imaging, Pharmacy, Long-term care (8 beds), Mental health and substance use programs, Home and community care, Haida Gwaii Cancer Care program (chemotherapy), Visiting specialist clinics, Ambulatory and primary care services.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy
• Laboratory
• Medical imaging / radiology
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• WiFi
• Single-bed patient rooms with private washrooms
• Secure patient patio with ocean views
• Outdoor patios accessible to patients, staff, and visitors
• Stand-alone cedar-built mortuary house (traditional Haida design)
• Traditional Haida artwork and design elements throughout

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

Pharmacists in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Call ahead at 250-559-4900 if your situation is non-life-threatening — the care team can advise whether an ER visit, clinic appointment, or telehealth option is most appropriate.
• If you or a family member may require specialist care beyond what is available on-island, be prepared for potential air or ferry transport to Prince Rupert or Vancouver for higher-level services such as cardiac intervention or major trauma care.
• Bring a complete list of your current medications, as the pharmacy and on-call physicians will need an accurate picture of your health history, especially if you are visiting from off-island.
• Visiting specialists periodically serve Haida Gwaii — if your condition is non-urgent, ask your family physician whether waiting for a specialist visit on-island is an option rather than travelling off-island.
• BC Ferries schedules and weather conditions can affect evacuation timelines; if you have a chronic or serious condition, discuss an emergency action plan with your local health provider before a crisis occurs.

What to Bring

• BC Services Card (CareCard) or provincial health insurance information
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, specialist letters, or imaging from other facilities
• Emergency contact information for a family member or friend
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (island weather can be unpredictable)
• Snacks and water for a potential wait, especially if travelling from a remote part of the islands
• Phone charger or portable battery, particularly important given the remote location

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on British Columbia health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.